The Vine: Messages of Hope from Around the World

by Adria L. Dunn

The past two years have been an incredibly challenging time for us all. As S.A. Sachs once said, “Hope rises like a phoenix from the ashes of shattered dreams.” Amidst these moments of tragedy and change, there has also been an opportunity to find hope.

Adria L. Dunn sought out the most inspiring people on Earth to share messages of hope with the world. She felt the arrival of the global pandemic was a pivotal moment in history when every one of us became united by a virus that didn’t care about status, location, political or religious affiliation, skin color, or gender. It taught us we cannot succeed without the cooperation of others, and how we all suffer to some degree. She created The Vine, a collection of 47 letters from people all around the world such as the Dalai Lama, Dr. Jane Goodall, Dr. Edith Eger, Rick Hansen, Peter Hillary, and Djimon Hounsou, among many others. Some have experienced losses due to war, accidents, natural disasters, and tragedy, yet they all have one thing in the ability to find hope even in the darkest of moments. The Vine is a guiding light reminding us to keep moving forward, that we are all connected, and to never lose hope.

Full list of
His Holiness the Dalai Lama
Chaitanya Raj Singh Bhati
Andrew Jackson Young, Jr.
Dr. Jane Goodall
Peter Hillary
Dr. Byron Martina
Khaled El Mayet
Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
HRH Princess Reema Bandar Al Saud
Brad Bandy
eL Seed
Clare Mountbatten, Marchioness of Milford Haven
Leon Rocco Feldman Birigner
Eric Rutingabo Muhizi
Oyungerel Tsedevdamba and Ider-Od Bat-Erdene
Dr. Mina Ehsan Leghari
Dr. Armen Arzumanyan
Sayed Ali Abbas Razawi
Prince Ermias Sale Selassie
Mouaz Abouzaid
Gina Diez Barroso
H.E. Ambassador Dr. Andre Thomas
Ivor Ichikowitz
Carol Lee
His Excellency Sheikh Nahayan bin Mubarak Al Nahayan
Dayle Haddon
Jennifer Missoni
Dr. Edith Eva Eger
Djimon Hounsou
Ramón A. Domínguez
Evanthia “Evie” Evangelou
Eduardo and Sebastian López
Dr. Lotay Tshering
HRH Prince Juan Bagration-Mukhrani
Sylvia Alice Earle
Didi Wong
Reem Khouri
Dr. David Fajgenbaum
Lola Tillyaeva
Richard Marvin Hansen
Norah Casey
Laura Hearn
Matthew Stinchcomb
Dawn Simpson
Shonosuke Okura
Masha Brodskaya
Peggy Liu

Genres: Nonfiction

318 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 29, 2022

Reviews

[Kashish · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Where there is unity in community and shared humanity, there is hope."

THE VINE BY ADRIA L. DUNN
Rating: 4 stars

The Vine by Adria L. Dunn is a 316 pages book that wants to inspire HOPE. Through this book, the author wants people to take time and reflect and hope again for better things to come after the whole disparity of the COVID-19 pandemic.

This book highlights topics such as mental health, inner peace, climate change, and recent issues and emphasizes being good human beings and having compassion for others.

"Real happiness is not about having money or power, it's about achieving inner peace."

The way the concept of this book came to life was so fascinating. From randomly adding so many people from different professions to a Whatsapp group and then connecting them to getting inspired by a young boy who was writing a letter to the now President of the USA, Joe Biden, the story is intriguing. Adria wanted to compile the experiences of people from all over the world during their time in the COVID-19 pandemic and hope that everyone reading this book can relate to the pain and grief everyone went through.

This book will take you on a journey of 47 people from 33 countries who describe how they stumbled upon this opportunity, their thoughts, views, and their outlooks on hope. Their path in life, their own experiences, and the loss they faced because of COVID-19 but in the end, they've not lost hope. They wish the same for everyone who needs to hear it.


"Rather than becoming fixated on a problem we encounter, it's better to develop the courage
that we can achieve positive change and the confidence to bring it about."

This book was drafted beautifully. It highlights the experiences of many people. The book has a diverse range of stories that touched my heart. It's often inspiring to read about individuals who have faced challenges but maintain their hope and strive for a better future..

Books that explore different perspectives and showcase the resilience of people can be incredibly impactful. They remind us of the human capacity to endure and overcome hardships. They also provide an opportunity to develop empathy and understanding for others who have had different life experiences.

I wholeheartedly recommend this book to everyone. It was a 4 out of 5 stars read. It might provide you with the comfort you might be seeking. Will help you move on from your trauma. I hope some of these beautiful quotes will inspire you to start this book.

"Hope has flowed in and out of my life like a river. Sometimes the river runs deep and wide
sometimes it's turbulent, and sometimes it's gentle, but it is always ever-present. Even though
I have had great suffering, like so many others, and I have always sought out more reasons to
be hopeful in my life than not."

[Courtney Branham · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Source of Hope

I was so looking forward to this book, and while I was able to find golden nuggets in some of the letters, there were many I did not. Many of the letters are personal stories, and while they are interesting, I did not feel as uplifted as I did by others. There is a timeliness to the book, but many letters speak directly to Covid, and I’m not sure it will serve it’s intended purpose. I cannot Wait to reread in a few years and see if my perspective changes.

[Alina Ion · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Vine by Adria L Dunn is a 316 pages collection of 47 letters from renowned people from 33 countries. The way the book was born has fascinated me. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the author decided to start a new WhatsApp group including all the people she could think about to help however they could in this time of need. Her desperate cry for help put in motion a global wide network of people that acted like a vine of hope and help and inspiration.
The first massage of the book comes from Dalai Lama. Now, I have the utmost respect for who he is and what he represents, but his 5 pages of message are actually targeting all the general subjects, from kindness to global warming. There is nothing linking his message to this actual book. I mean, you can take those 5 pages and stick them as a foreword to every book that touches subjects such as global warming, happiness, inner peace, education so on and so forth. So in my opinion the foreword did not help the book.
Each letter is telling one or more moments in the life of its author that changed him or her as a human being, changed perspectives, and changed the very way of living. The COVID-19 pandemic was a stopping point in life on Earth as we knew it. For a while, the entire world froze in place and we were forced to look ourselves in the mirror and ask ourselves what matters in our lives, who we are, what are we doing, and what motivates us. All the letters beautifully tie up events from the lives of each writer with the pandemic period, highlighting the fact that all the rough moments in life were survived because someone had hope and spread it around by helping and inspiring, changing the course of life of those implicated.
All the stories were inspiring in various degrees, all of them had the same message: helping each other, connecting to each other, and thinking of each other in terms of family and community brings hope, and hope means survival.
What I liked: the sense of family and community, the stories that made me laugh and cry and think, and the inspiration I got by reading this book. Now, this book found me in a perfect moment when I took a step back from my professional life and I am trying to find my way in my own life. I think that re-reading this book every few years will touch different parts of life and soul, will be understood differently, and will change perspectives, which makes it timeless.
What I did not like: the words of Adria L Dunn at the beginning of this book. I understand that she has a story to tell, but when you have 47 inspiring letters from people all over the world, from scientists and humanitarians, from royal and political figures, also a message from Dalai Lama himself, as general it may be, just be humble and quiet. The story of her life was interesting till she started rambling about number 19 and the flower of life and whispers in her mind and the fact that she had a company with a name that was COVID-19 backward. Please, just please, understand that COVID-19 has nothing to do with your company, and the fact that you guide your life on voices whispering in your head it makes me want to think about your mental health. In the opening of such an inspiring book, you felt the need to brag about your company...big NO from me, it almost made me give up on the entire book. That is my reason for rating it 3 out of 5 stars.
All in all, the impact of this book depends on where are you in your life when you read it. But wherever you are don`t forget to always remember: life is not a matter of what it can do for you, but what can you do for those around you.

[Rumi Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the wake of the unprecedented challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, Adria L. Dunn's book, "The Vine," serves as a beacon of hope, reminding us that even in times of darkness and change, there is an opportunity to find hope and positivity. The collection of stories in this book, drawn from 47 individuals in 33 different countries, is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.
Author's ambitious project, spanning nearly three years, resulted in a diverse compilation of letters from heads of state, royals, refugees, pastors, doctors, architects, scientists, and students spanning ages from 10 to 94. It offers a snapshot of our shared humanity and collective consciousness, emphasizing the importance of unity during trying times.

One of the most powerful aspects of "The Vine" is the Instagram page, @thevineofhope, where readers can continue to share their own stories of hope. This platform not only extends the reach of the book but also fosters a sense of community and shared purpose.

The inclusion of a foreword by His Holiness the Dalai Lama adds a profound spiritual dimension to the book. His message underscores the idea that true happiness is found in inner peace and in focusing on the welfare of others. It sets the tone for the heartfelt letters that follow, each a unique and personal contribution to the collective message of hope.

Author's role as a super connector for philanthropy and humanitarian causes is evident in the selection of writers across diverse industries and countries. This diversity makes "The Vine" a microcosm of our global community, highlighting the importance of interconnectedness and empathy.

The book also touches on the significance of altering our consumption trends for the betterment of the environment, as well as the power of community and giving back. It serves as a reminder that our actions and connections define who we are as individuals and as a society.

The title of the book, "The Vine," holds a poignant significance that reflects the unique way in which its stories of hope came together. Adria L. Dunn, the author, established a network of connections through a group chat on WhatsApp just before the pandemic's onset. This digital "vine" became the means through which writers from across the globe, like tendrils reaching out, contributed their heartfelt letters. Thus, the name "The Vine" aptly encapsulates the interconnectedness and collective effort that underpin the book, making it a testament to the strength of human bonds in times of adversity.

"The Vine" is well-edited, free from major grammatical and typographical errors, ensuring a smooth and engaging reading experience. I have no hesitation in giving this book a 5/5-star rating.

In conclusion, "The Vine by Adria L. Dunn” is a remarkable compilation of stories that beautifully captures the essence of hope, unity, and the strength of our global community during challenging times. It is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and a powerful reminder that our connections and actions can shape a brighter future for us all.

[Shella · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Vine - Messages of HOPE from Around the World
Adria L. Dunn

The Vine is a book full of hope and I absolutely loved that about it. We all need a bit of hope in our lives. Also to see all the good, people are doing out in the world that we don't hear or know about in our day to day lives is incredibly heart warming. Each person's story that contributed to this book helped those that are less fortunate I some way or another. They stood up for them by speaking out, creating opportunities, raising funds, spreading their message and showing all the kindness that humanity has to offer. This book is a collection of stories from 47 people from 33 different countries from around the world, each showing the true meaning of humanity.

The book starts with a foreward from Dalai Lama. I thought it was a perfect way to start because it was truly inspiring. So much so that I want to quote here the messages that stood out for me and that I honestly believe in.

"Real happiness is not about having money or power, it's about achieving inner peace. If we have peace of mind, we will be happy day and night."

"Modern education is oriented towards material goals, which in turn leads to a materialistic way of life. People brought up this way lack the emotional tools necessary to tackle destructive emotions and consequently, they have a limited idea of how to deal with many of the problems they face."

The only thing that I would change personally is maybe having the book in two parts just because it ended up being so long with so many chapters. It may not seem it with the page numbers but even though each story was as important as the next, the further on I got in the book the more it seemed like the chapters were dragging and the book was never ending. I don't really like saying that about a book that showing so much light in the darkness but I want to be honest about how I felt. I don't think I read the second half of the book with as much enthusiasm as the first half and that is because the stories were any less hopeful.

Overall I think people could learn a lot from this book in terms of how we treat others and the world around us. I think it would be useful to have this book and every so often or when you particularly need it to open up at a random chapter and that story of Hope to give you something to hold on to.

[Lucy Sweeney · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Vine by Adria L Dunn
☀️☀️☀️

This timely and uplifting series of letters from change-makers the world over is compiled into an easy to read book, written in the wake of COVID-19, as a way to reconnect and inspire. I found it overall quite enjoyable to read, especially seeing the variety of those who supplied letters and their backgrounds, though the overall effect to me became a bit muddled and repetitive rather than clarifying as I believe was intended.

The brief for these letters was clear - for the various authors to write from their own perspective and experience what hope means to them in this COVID-ravaged world. Many spoke of religion, others of our relationship with nature and the planet, others of our connections to friends, family, and also complete strangers.

While all 40 letters contained interesting and empowering content, my favourite letters were from activist Andrew Jackson Young, Jr., virologist Dr. Byron Martina, student Leon Rocco Feldman Birigner, consultant Prince Ermias Sale Selassie, former Mrs. Universe and entrepreneur Carol Lee, psychologist Dr. Edith Eva Eger, Prime Minister Dr. Lotay Tshering, and environmentalist Peggy Liu

I think this format is well suited to slow, occasional reading, as opposed to demolishing it in a few sittings as I did. This would likely give space and time to ruminate on the individual content better, which is ultimately the point of this sort of book.

This is the sort of book I would recommend for someone struggling to emerge from the COVID haze, but take my advice and savour the reading experience for best results.

A favourite quote:
"When I look at the heritage of hope instilled in me from generations of my family passing it along, I also want hope to be a legacy I leave behind, not only within my own family but beyond. When people look at the state of the world today and feel overwhelmed by how much trouble still exists, I recall the simple phrase from my father that has become our family motto: “Don’t get mad, get smart.” - Andrew Jackson Young Jnr"

[Aayushi Gupta · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Vine by Adria L. Dunn is indeed a book of hope. I would rate it a solid 4 out of 5. It holds the power to fill you up with hope no matter where are you standing in your life. You can relate to each of the forty-seven letters/stories because they come from every domain there is in the world. Reading it you realize that struggle in what relates every human being in this world to other. It is the only thing which is truly common. The nature might differ but not the feeling.

The foreword by HH the Dalai Lama soothes your soul. It is a reminder of your place in this wide universe. Humanity is the epitome of existence, and we must never forget that. As per the next 47 letters, some seemed dull and mundane. They either delve into too much details or seem redundant. This is why chose to steal a star from the rating.

Besides, most of the stories will bring you happiness. Reading about their struggles made me a part of their journey. I cried for them and I cheered for them alike. It helped me gain perspective and adamant to find my light of hope deliriously. Each story is unique. One can read it as they go and always come back to it when feeling short of hope.

[Rita Horta · Rating 3 out of 5]

"The Vine: Messages of Hope from around the World" by Adria L. Dunn is an extraordinary book that offers a captivating journey through diverse voices and experiences. As I immersed myself in the letters, I encountered individuals from thirty-three countries, sharing their struggles and unwavering hope in the face of adversity. The book beautifully transports readers to various corners of the world, providing insights into different cultures and perspectives, ultimately highlighting our shared humanity.

The personal stories of these remarkable individuals left a lasting impact, resonating deeply with their struggles and triumphs. Their messages of hope served as beacons, guiding us through challenging times. The collection offers a refreshing perspective on hope's power, transcending the boundaries of the pandemic era.

In summary, "The Vine" is a transformative book that broadens understanding and offers solace in our shared human experience. I highly recommend it to anyone seeking inspiration and wisdom from diverse backgrounds. It deserves a solid 3 out of 5 stars for its exceptional portrayal of hope's extraordinary strength and its celebration of the human spirit.

[Carli · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Vine: Messages of Hope from Around the World by Adria L. Dunn is a beautiful collection of letters written by different individuals from across the globe. Each story invites the reader into the heart, mind, and soul of its author while providing a unique understand of how hope is defined, viewed, uncovered, and shared. Dunn has highlighted the diversity of each author including stories from: philosophers, artists, humanitarians, mothers and sons, political figureheads, and students. This book fosters a sense of empathy, connection, and optimism. I would recommend this book to anyone going through difficult times or just needs a little more hope in their day. I hope to see this book as a continued study of humankind overcoming adversity, sharing faith, and providing support. The Vine provides the hope that our souls need.

[Ami · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a collection of more than 40 letters written by a very diverse number of individuals from around the world with one common theme: the hope. Most were interesting and some created joy that overflowed in tears. All are well written and sincere. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

Disclaimer: I received this ebook from

[Denisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Personal experiences of hope in difficult times and hardships.
A Japanese musician who claims that we are all derooted from the Source that created us and that we don't live in harmony with Nature, Chinese environmentalist who claims that now is the time to come together to create better future instead of losing time on wars and struggles, were reading my thoughts and my ❤️.

[anthony · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would recommend this book to anyone that likes learning about different people. I liked reading the letters of the people about their struggles and the hope they had. I felt like I was on a journey around the world meeting new and different people and hearing their stories.

[Anna · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not entirely what I was expecting, this book was essentially a collection of stories written by a variety of people, some of which were more interesting than others. It is well edited and a piece or art which must have been difficult to put together since it is composed of pieces from so many authors - most of whom are not actually authors, and would therefore require a lot of editing and tidying up.

Some spoke of hope more than others and I found it interesting to see how different people define hope. Many were, to me, more hopeless than they appear to think they are.

I was impressed by the wide variety of people involved in this project, and by the number of VIPs. However, I was slightly confused by the incredible eloquence and perfect composition of the letter written by a student who says he was eight in March 2020. Surely he did not write this letter all by himself?

There were quite a few who spoke of the “climate crisis”, police brutality and other on trend topics, saying the world we live in is worse than ever. This to me showed a short sightedness and a lack of knowledge of what has come before.

I got the impression that this book was intended to bring hope, but it missed the mark for me. While I enjoyed some of the stories and all were well written, it did not inspire hope for me.

This is perhaps because hope, for me, is not what this book describes it as. Clare Mountbatten says “hope is not certain. It’s a wish, a whim, a dream.” This is not true of the hope I have.
As a Christian, my hope is not in this world nor in what we, as humans, can do to “save” the world. My hope is in Jesus, who has come to seek and to save the lost and will return to finish what he began, bringing the new creation with him. My hope is sure and certain.

[Adele Drapkin · Rating 5 out of 5]

review of The Vine:Messages of Hope Around The World

This book spoke volumes, and challenged me to make my life better, living in this world of Covid, these people overcame so many obstacles to have a family, kids, get a good career.

[Kavita Ramdeen]

The Vine- Messages of Hope from around the World by Adria L. Dunn, has over forty (40) letters of hope written by leaders from thirty- three (33) countries. The book was written during the Covid pandemic, and all of the letters focus on the struggles during this time. What’s important to note is all letters contain a short but highly detailed biography of the person writing the letter. It then goes into their stories and how they overcame the obstacles whilst shining light on the message of hope they wished to share with the reader. All messages are inspiring, and some bring a spark of happiness within me. Still, many of them lack catching sentences and excitement for the reader. However, an equal amount of letters are pretty heart-wrenching and brought tears to my eyes.

Furthermore, the leaders can be introduced briefly, focusing on the most exquisite parts of their life and achievements. Currently, some are too lengthy and take too long to dive into the actual message. Additionally, the letters should be matched together as some are more captivating than others regarding the writing style. In a few of them, whilst the message was inspiring, some of the jargon used was not suitable for an everyday reader and felt a bit difficult to understand.

In conclusion, I do absolutely love the messages exhibited in the letters and have felt instantly inspired once I understood them. I would rate this book a solid 4 out of 5 stars. This rating is because the book had no errors, and the messages were great. Still, the organization of the writing may need to be adjusted. Keep in mind that even though these stories were focused on the time of the pandemic, there is a lot to be learnt from these experiences and leaders.